Brutal Game Review

Title:  Brutal Game
Series:  Flynn & Laurel #2
Author:  Cara McKenna
Release Date:  Nov. 22, 2016
Preorder Link:  Amazon

My Rating:  4 Erotic, Dark Fantasy ♥'s

*Many thanks to the author for an ARC of this book.

My Review of Willing Victim


Synopsis:
Nine months ago Laurel walked into an underground boxing gym and found herself mesmerized by a stranger named Flynn—a man who fights hard and loves harder. Since then he’s taken her places where fear and curiosity clash in exquisite pleasure, where trust is the price of ecstasy, and in time their brutal games have become her kink as much as his.

But when real life intrudes and hard decisions demand action, will these two whose bond is rooted in fantasy take shelter in each other’s arms, or discover that lust is no substitute for a lasting commitment?

Review:

It's been nine months since Laurel took a chance and followed Flynn home to discover what turned this dark, brash sex god on - and to decide if she was strong enough, fearless enough, to star in his darkest fantasies. What she discovered was a burning desire to play this man's games as Flynn took her to the edge of fear, pain, and pleasure, and as fans of Willing Victim know, then took possession of her heart while giving his own in return.

Brutal Game continues Flynn & Laurel's story, and while they still live in separate residences, Laurel spends most nights in Flynn's home & bed as they continue indulging in their dark, raw, sometimes fearful sexual fantasies.  In this book, the story is told from both character's point of view, allowing readers a chance to get inside Flynn's head and experience what he thinks and feels as he battles some pretty heavy emotions.  With a very real dose of reality knocking on the door, Laurel has a big decision to make, and Flynn is trying to support her in every way.  Sexual role-playing is forced to take a backseat as this couple works to figure out what they need and want - both individually and as a couple hoping for a long future together.  And when Flynn suddenly withdraws calling "time-out", Laurel is left wondering if they even have a future.  Do they?

Watching Flynn & Laurel function in different roles outside the bedroom as they are confronted with a new challenge in their relationship is intriguing.  It raises questions about expectations, trust, and the importance of family.  I appreciate the way this author handles taboo subject matter - not only the sexual fantasy role-playing, but also Laurel's struggles with depression along with another situation that occurs in Brutal Game.  Allowing readers inside Flynn's head as he struggles to understand and come to terms with his own feelings later in the book lends an air of sincerity and sympathy while building empathy for him  -  making the ending that much sweeter.  At the same time, this book delivers the hot, erotic, raw, sometimes brutal sex that one would expect as Flynn & Laurel indulge their fantasies.  And as always, it is perfectly clear that all of it is consensual.  As with Willing Victim, my only issue is the short length of this story. It left me wanting more!  A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Erotic, Dark Fantasy ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

♥Sandra♥